Aliwal captain: Apiwe Dinga

 

The experienced Aliwal-Noord captain is looking to take his mature team to their fifth win of the season and is also hoping to enact some revenge over their Classic Clashes rival Hangclip who defeated them last year.

 

Aliwal-Noord have had a better run of form over Hangklip, having won in 2011 and 2012 – Dinga's first year at the top their in the school.

 

However he is aware that the match will be a tough one and a big physical challenge.

 

"The match will be very physical because they have a big pack of forwards," he said ahead of the Classic Clash on the weekend.

 

"The scrums and lineouts will be very important in this match.

 

Dinga's captaincy is one that bases itself around enjoying the game while working hard.

 

"My team philosophy is to work hard and to play hard and to build a good team spirit," the speedy centre added.

 

"However, I have told my guys this week that we must play for each other and enjoy ourselves and focus on the basics."

 

The Aliwal-Noord team will be a very experienced and mature one with Dinga at its helm.

 

"We have a very mature team this year with nine Gr.12 players. 

 

"We are also very lucky to be injury free so far."

 

Having represented both Free State and most recently EP country Districts in 2013, Dinga has high aspirations for his rugby career.

 

"My future plans are to play provincial rugby and if I am lucky, to play for the Blitzbokke or Springboks," he concluded.